# Herdbell vs a DIY notification script for Claude Code

> A hook script can ping you when Claude Code finishes. Herdbell does that too, and lets you answer from the alert across all your agents. The honest difference.

Canonical: https://herdbell.com/blog/herdbell-vs-notification-script
Author: Herdbell team
Published: 2026-10-27
Last updated: 2026-10-27

You can get Claude Code to run a command when it finishes or asks for permission, and have that command show a notification. Plenty of people do. Herdbell is built on the same idea, so the question is what you gain from an app instead of a script.

## Side by side

|  | DIY hook script | Herdbell |
|---|---|---|
| Alerts you when it finishes or asks | Yes, once you write it | Yes, by default |
| Answer from the alert | No: you go back to the terminal | Yes: Return to allow, D to deny, or type a reply |
| More than one agent | One script per agent, each set up by you | Claude Code, Codex, Cursor and Antigravity |
| A list of every chat and its status | No | Yes, with search and history |
| Setup | You write, test and debug it | Connect in one click; settings are backed up first |
| Upkeep | Yours when an agent changes | Updates ship with the app |
| Cost | Free | One payment |

Both build on hooks, the small commands an agent runs at set moments. If you want to understand them, read [Claude Code hooks, explained](https://herdbell.com/blog/claude-code-hooks-explained).

## When the script is the right call

- You only want a ping, and you are happy to switch to the terminal to answer.
- You use one agent in one terminal.
- You enjoy tuning it, or you are not on a Mac.

## When Herdbell saves you the work

- You run several chats or several agents, and want one place that shows which is waiting.
- You want to answer a permission request without leaving what you are doing.
- You would rather not maintain a script every time an agent changes.

## Common questions

### Is a hook script safe?
It can be, if it is small and you know what it runs. A script that approves things automatically is risky. Herdbell never approves for you: it shows the request and sends back your answer.

### Can I use a script and Herdbell together?
Yes. They both listen to the same agent hooks, so a personal script can run beside Herdbell.

## Related
- [Herdbell: pricing](https://herdbell.com/#pricing)
- [All posts](https://herdbell.com/blog)
- [Herdbell alternatives: 5 ways to keep track of your AI coding agents](https://herdbell.com/blog/herdbell-alternatives)
- [How to get notified when Claude Code finishes or needs your approval](https://herdbell.com/blog/get-notified-when-claude-code-finishes)
- [Claude Code hooks, explained: what they are and what you can build](https://herdbell.com/blog/claude-code-hooks-explained)